1-o-acetylbritannilatone spiro aryl isoxazoline compounds and a method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A compound of chemical formula I 
     
       
         
         
             
             
         
       
     
     or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof is disclosed. R 1  is OH or OAc; X is C or N; and R 2  is H, alkyl, alkoxy, benzyloxy, haloalkyl, OH, CN, NO 2 , or halogen, provided that when X is N, R 2  is nil.

The present invention claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. CN 201711346227.1, filed on Dec. 15, 2017, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to 1-O-acetylbritannilatone spiro aryl isoxazoline compounds and a method of using the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inula japonica Thunb/Inula britannica L. is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine of the genus Compositae. 1-O-acetylbritannilatone is a major component of Inula japonica Thunb/Inula britannica L. Its acetylated derivative, 1,6-O,O-diacetylbritannilatone, is reported to have some anti-tumor, anti-asthma, anti-inflammatory and other physiological activities.

Inflammation is a common but important basic pathological process, and is the defense response of various tissues with vascular system to various damage factors. Inflammation and many diseases, including rhinitis, rhinitis, arthritis, Alzheimer's, arteriosclerosis, and cancer are all inextricably linked.

Asthma is a complex airway inflammatory process that may be involved in a variety of inflammatory cells. Inflammatory factors, such as Leukotriene C4 (LTC₄), are released. Inhibition of LTC₄ production is important for controlling asthma and airway inflammation. There is a need to develop novel leukotriene production inhibitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compound of chemical formula I or II (1-O-acetylbritannilatone spiro aryl isoxazoline compound):

or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof. R₁ is OH or OAc; X is C or N; and R₂ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, benzyloxy, haloalkyl, OH, CN, NO₂, or halogen, provided that when X is N, R₂ is nil.

In another embodiment, in chemical formula I or II, X is C and R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, CN, CH₃, OCH₃, NO₂ or OH.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of inhibiting leukotriene. The method includes administrating a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I or II to a subject.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method treating asthma. The method includes administrating a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I or II to a subject.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating inflammation. The method includes administrating a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula I or II to a subject.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The following examples illustrate the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

The present invention provides a 1-O-acetylbritannilatone spiro aryl isoxazoline compound or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof. The compound has chemical formula I or II:

R₁ is OH or OAc; X is C or N; and R₂ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, benzyloxy, haloalkyl, OH, CN, NO₂, or halogen, provided that when X is N, R₂ is nil. Furthermore, in formulas (I) and (II), the spiro carbon is a chiral atom. Compounds of formulas (I) and (II) may be separated into their individual diastereoisomers.

1-O-acetylbritannilatone (ABL) has the following structure:

The compound of chemical formula I or II can be prepared in accordance with the following reaction scheme 1.

The substituents of the compounds in Scheme are listed in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 Compounds X R₂ 1a-4a C H 1b-4b C F 1c-4c C Cl 1d-4d C Br 1e-4e C CN 1f-4f C CH₃ 1g-4g C OCH₃ 1h-4h C NO₂ 1i-4i N — 1j-4j C OH

A second object of the present invention is to disclose the use of the compounds of formulas I and II in the field of anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic. It is characterized in that the compounds inhibit the production of mast cells LTC₄. At the test concentrations, the inhibition rates of compounds 2b, 2e, 2h-2j, 3a-3e, 3h-3j, 4c-4e, and 4h-4i exceed 70%. In view of the important role of leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of inflammation and asthma, the above findings show the anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic application prospects of the compounds of formulas I and II.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of Compounds 1a-1j

Aryl aldehyde (compound of formula IV in Scheme 1) was dissolved in a mixture of acetonitrile and water (V/V=1:1) in a reaction flask, and hydroxylamine hydrochloride (1.1 equivalents) was added to the reaction flask at room temperature. The reaction was stirred at room temperature and monitored by thin layer chromatograph (TLC). When the reaction was complete, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to obtain an intermediate. The intermediate was dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF), and N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) (1 equivalent) was added in portions to the DMF solution. The reaction solution was stirred at 40 ° C. and monitored by TLC. When the reaction was complete, ethyl acetate (20 times the reaction mixture) was added to dilute the reaction mixture, and the ethyl acetate solution was washed with water (5×20 mL). Ethyl acetate layer was collected, dried over MgSO₄, and concentrated to compounds 1a-1j. Compounds 1a-1j were used in the next step without purification.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of Compounds 2a-2j

Compounds 1a-1j (0.16 mmol) were dissolved in 0.75 mL CH₂Cl₂ in a flask. Triethylamine (Et₃N) (0.13 mmol) and 1-O-acetylbritannilatone (0.1 mmol) in 0.75 mL CH₂Cl₂ were then added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and monitored by TLC. When the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude products. The crude products were purified by silica column chromatography (eluting with PE:EA=6:1−3:1, v/v) to give compounds 2a-2j.

2.1

Compound 2a, colorless oil, yield: 44.7%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.69 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1.4 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.47 (m, 3H), 5.17 (m, 1H), 4.13 (s, 1H), 4.01 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.63 (s, 2H), 2.93 (dd, J=5.9 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.72-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.53 (m, 1H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.78 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.13 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 173.00, 171.27, 156.33, 135.52, 130.77, 130.61, 128.86, 128.34, 126.97, 88.89, 76.95, 64.21, 63.92, 50.60, 36.68, 33.88, 33.85, 31.87, 26.99, 20.97, 20.24, 19.74.

2.2

Compound 2a, colorless oil, yield: 82.2%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.71-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.17 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.20-5.23 (m, 1H), 4.14 (s, 1H), 4.05 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.64 (s, 2H), 2.96 (dd, J=5.8, 2.1 Hz , 1H), 2.74-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.53-2.58 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.81 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.15 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.87, 171.34, 164.21 (d, J=250.4 Hz), 155.38, 135.53, 130.53, 129.08, 129.00, 124.64 (d, J=3.4 Hz), 116.20, 115.98, 89.02, 77.08, 64.16, 63.99, 50.49, 36.65, 33.78, 33.77, 31.87, 27.02, 21.02, 20.30, 19.82.

2.3

Compound 2c, colorless oil, yield: 45.9%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.64 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 4.11 (s, 1H), 4.04 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.61 (s, 2H), 2.93 (dd, J=5.8, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.72-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.80 (s, 3H), 1.53-1.62 (m, 2H), 1.33-1.49 (m, 2H), 1.13 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.80, 171.29, 155.46, 136.80, 135.54, 130.67, 129.16, 128.22, 126.90, 89.26, 64.13, 64.00, 50.51, 36.45, 33.80, 31.86, 27.04, 20.99, 20.26, 19.79.

2.4

Compound 2d, colorless oil, yield: 68.8%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.58 (s, 4H), 5.19 (m, 1H), 4.12 (s, 1H), 4.06 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (s, 2H), 2.94 (dd, J=4.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.52-2.57 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.79 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.14 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.68, 171.21, 155.50, 135.61, 132.11, 130.70, 128.41, 127.39, 125.12, 89.30, 64.08, 50.52, 36.40, 33.81, 31.87, 27.06, 20.95, 20.24, 19.81.

2.5

Compound 2e, colorless oil, yield: 70.5%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (s, 1H), 4.11 (s, 1H), 4.06 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (s, 2H), 2.94 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.77 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.55 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.80 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.13 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.46, 171.30, 155.17, 135.57, 132.71, 132.58, 130.69, 127.49, 118.13, 114.07, 90.01, 77.22, 64.05, 63.99, 50.41, 35.96, 33.76, 33.72, 31.87, 27.11, 20.98, 20.20, 19.78.

2.6

Compound 2f, colorless oil, yield: 67.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.57 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.22 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 5.17 (m, 1H), 4.12 (s, 1H), 4.01 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (s, 2H), 2.93 (d, J=5.92, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 2.72-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.47-2.52 (m, 1H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.78 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.12 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 173.09, 171.27, 156.27, 141.13, 135.51, 130.58, 129.55, 126.90, 125.50, 88.68, 64.22, 63.92, 50.63, 36.78, 33.90, 33.86, 31.87, 26.98, 21.50, 20.97, 20.24, 19.74.

2.7

Compound 2g, colorless oil, yield: 63.3%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.63 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.93 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 4.13 (s, 1H), 4.02 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.60 (s, 2H), 3.48 (s, 2H), 2.93 (dd, J=5.9, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 2.72-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.53 (m, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.79 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.13 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 173.14, 171.29, 161.55, 155.87, 135.54, 130.61, 128.56, 120.83, 114.28, 88.57, 76.90, 64.22, 63.97, 55.39, 50.64, 36.90, 33.90, 33.85, 31.87, 26.99, 20.98, 20.24, 19.76.

2.8

Compound 2h, colorless oil, yield: 60.4%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.28 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.90 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 4.11 (s, 1H), 4.05 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.66 (s, 2H), 2.94 (dd, J=5.8, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.70-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.52-2.57 (m, 1H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.79 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.12 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.47, 171.37, 154.97, 148.84, 135.54, 134.43, 130.72, 127.85, 124.09, 90.18, 77.32, 64.06, 63.92, 50.39, 36.00, 33.75, 33.69, 31.87, 27.11, 21.01, 20.28, 19.77.

2.9

Compound 2i, colorless oil, yield: 39.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.71 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 4.11 (s, 1H), 4.06 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 3.64 (s, 2H), 2.96 (dd, J=5.8, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.53-2.57 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.80 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.57 (m, 2H), 1.19-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.14 (d, J=7 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 173.14, 171.29, 161.55, 155.87, 135.54, 130.61, 128.56, 120.83, 114.28, 88.57, 76.90, 64.22, 63.97, 55.39, 50.64, 36.90, 33.90, 33.85, 31.87, 26.99, 20.98, 20.24, 19.76.

2.10

Compound 2j, colorless oil, yield: 52.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO): δ 10.03 (s, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.12-5.08 (m, 1H), 4.81 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 2H), 4.04 (s, 1H), 3.87 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.78 (d, J=10.5 Hz, 1H), 3.44 (d, J=10.5 Hz, 1H), 3.34 (s, 3H), 2.80 (dd, J=5.8, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.72-2.62 (m, 2H), 2.30 (q, J=4.1 Hz, 1H), 1.94 (s, 3H), 1.69 (s, 3H), 1.46-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.14-1.35 (m, 3H), 1.05 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO): δ 173.59, 170.32, 159.64, 156.17, 135.23, 128.60, 127.75, 118.88, 115.64, 87.75, 76.38, 63.77, 62.13, 50.37, 36.75, 33.72, 33.29, 31.09, 26.55, 20.62, 19.74.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of Compounds 3a-3j

1-O-acetylbritannilatone (1 equivalent), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) (1.1 equivalents), and acetic anhydride (1.5 equivalents) were dissolved in 6 mL fresh anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ in a flask. The mixture was reacted at room temperature for 20 minutes monitored. After the reaction was complete, 10 mL ice water was added to the reaction mixture and stirred for 20 minutes. The mixture was then extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL×3), and the methylene chloride solution was dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated to crude 1,6-O,O-diacetylbritannilatone (OBAL). Crude 1,6-O,O-diacetylbritannilatone was purified by flesh chromatograph for use in the next step. Compounds 1a-1j (0.16 mmol) were dissolved in 0.3 mL CH₂Cl₂ in a flask. Triethylamine (Et₃N) (0.13 mmol) and 1,6-O,O-diacetylbritannilatone (0.1 mmol) in 0.75 mL CH₂Cl₂ were then added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and monitored by TLC. When the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude products. The crude products were purified by silica column chromatography (eluting with PE:EA=6:1−3:1, v/v) to give compounds 3a-3j.

3.1

Compound 3a, light yellow oil, yield: 40.7%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): ι 7.73-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.44 (m, 3H), 5.25 (s, 1H), 5.19-5.22 (m, 1H), 4.03-4.06 (m, 2H), 4.01 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.63 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.72-2.79 (m, 1H), 2.68 (s, 1H), 2.59-2.64 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.85 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.92 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.41, 171.20, 171.00, 156.79, 134.41, 130.90, 130.70, 128.80, 128.39, 127.11, 89.96, 76.91, 64.99, 64.16, 49.48, 36.11, 33.83, 33.73, 32.20, 26.74, 21.16, 20.97, 20.76, 18.54.

3.2

Compound 3b, colorless oil, yield: 75.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.75-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.12-7.17 (m, 2H), 5.23 (s, 1H), 5.2-5.22 (m, 1H), 4.04-4.08 (m, 2H), 4.00 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.63 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.69 (s, 1H), 2.61-2.66 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.93 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.36, 171.24, 171.12, 164.07 (d, J=250.1 Hz), 155.88, 134.46, 130.79, 129.23, 129.15, 124.66 (d, J=3.2 Hz), 116.13, 115.91, 89.11, 64.96, 64.13, 49.43, 36.11, 33.77, 33.68, 32.22, 26.76, 21.21, 21.00, 20.79, 18.55.

3.3

Compound 3c, colorless oil, yield: 81.8%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.69 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.69 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.21 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H), 5.21 (s, 1H), 4.00-4.08 (m, 2H), 3.98 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.61 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.81 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.71-2.78 (m, 1H), 2.67 (s, 1H), 2.60-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.85 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.92 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.25, 171.20, 171.09, 155.95, 136.75, 134.42, 130.83, 129.11, 128.38, 126.92, 89.29, 64.95, 64.10, 49.43, 35.91, 33.77, 33.70, 32.22, 26.91, 26.78, 21.17, 20.98, 20.77, 18.54.

3.4

Compound 3d, colorless oil, yield: 69.3%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.64 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2H), 5.21 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H), 5.21 (s, 1H), 4.00-4.08 (m, 2H), 3.98 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.61 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.81 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.71-2.78 (m, 1H), 2.67 (s, 1H), 2.60-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 2.01 (s, 3H), 1.85 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.92 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.23, 171.20, 171.09, 156.05, 134.42, 132.07, 130.83, 128.57, 127.35, 125.11, 89.32, 64.94, 64.09, 49.43, 35.83, 33.77, 33.70, 32.22, 26.91, 26.78, 21.17, 20.99, 20.77, 18.54.

3.5 Preparation of Compound 3e

Compound 3e, colorless oil, yield: 74.8%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.88 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.21 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H), 5.20 (s, 1H), 4.00-4.13 (m, 2H), 4.00 (d, J=16.2 Hz, 1H), 3.64 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.82 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 2.61-2.78 (m, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.86 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.92 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 171.95, 171.20, 155.63, 134.45, 132.69, 132.54, 130.78, 127.64, 118.18, 114.07, 89.97, 64.88, 64.01, 49.35, 35.46, 33.71, 33.69, 32.23, 26.85, 21.15, 20.96, 20.75, 18.52.

3.6

Compound 3f, colorless oil, yield: 70.4%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.64 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.26 (s, 1H), 5.20-5.22 (m, 1H), 4.05-4.09 (m, 2H), 4.00 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.63 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.69 (s, 1H), 2.62-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.94 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.45, 171.15, 170.90, 156.73, 140.99, 134.36, 130.97, 129.47, 127.04, 125.59, 88.76, 65.04, 64.14, 49.51, 36.22, 33.87, 33.74, 32.19, 26.75, 26.78, 21.47, 21.13, 20.94, 20.73, 18.52.

3.7

Compound 3g, colorless oil, yield: 55.2%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.70 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.27 (s, 1H), 5.20-5.23 (m, 1H), 4.07 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 4.00 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.62 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.67 (s, 1H), 2.61-2.66 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.94 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.51, 171.16, 170.90, 161.54, 156.33, 134.36, 130.98, 128.70, 120.95, 114.23, 88.65, 76.83, 65.07, 64.13, 55.37, 49.54, 36.32, 33.87, 33.74, 32.19, 26.77, 21.14, 20.94, 20.73, 18.52.

3.8

Compound 3h, colorless oil, yield: 79.5%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.30 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.95 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.22-5.24 (m, 1H), 5.20 (s, 1H), 4.05-4.15 (m, 2H), 4.04 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.69 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.84 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.79 (m, 1H), 2.69 (s, 1H), 2.62-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.86 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.93 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 171.92, 171.26, 155.43, 148.88, 134.48, 134.43, 130.75, 128.01, 124.06, 90.16, 77.12, 76.91, 64.88, 64.02, 49.33, 35.51, 33.68, 32.25, 26.88, 21.18, 21.00, 20.78, 18.55.

3.9

Compound 3i, colorless oil, yield: 49.7%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.73 (d, J=5.3 Hz, 2H), 7.65 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 5.21-5.22 (m, 1H), 5.20 (s, 1H), 4.04-4.10 (m, 2H), 4.00 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 3.64 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.73-2.78 (m, 1H), 2.68 (s, 1H), 2.61-2.66 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.86 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.92 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 171.89, 171.24, 171.21, 155.39, 150.24, 136.06, 134.46, 130.79, 121.07, 90.08, 77.09, 64.86, 64.04, 49.35, 35.16, 33.72, 33.70, 32.24, 26.86, 21.17, 20.99, 20.77, 18.54.

3.10

Compound 3j, colorless3j, yield: 57.1%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.56 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.82 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.25 (s, 1H), 5.22-5.19 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.95 (d, J=16.4 Hz, 1H), 3.58 (d, J=16.5 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 2.79-2.72 (m, 1H), 2.67 (brs, 1H), 2.65-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.85 (s, 3H), 1.51-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.26-1.43 (m, 2H), 1.05-1.08 (m, 1H), 0.92 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 172.72, 171.51, 171.40, 158.12, 156.37, 134.57, 130.84, 128.89, 120.64, 115.73, 88.59, 77.23, 65.23, 64.28, 49.48, 36.33, 33.85, 33.72, 32.20, 26.73, 21.23, 21.01, 20.78, 18.54.

EXAMPLE 4

Dess-Martin periodinane (1.1 equivalents) was dissolved 0.3 mL CH₂Cl₂ at 0° C. 1-O-acetylbritannilatone (1 equivalent) in 0.6 mL CH₂Cl₂ was added to the periodinane solution. The mixture was then reacted at room temperature for 18 hours monitored by TLC. After the reaction was complete, the mixture concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude 1-O-acetyl-6-oxobritannilatone. Crude 1-O-acetyl-6-oxobritannilatone was purified by flesh chromatograph (eluting with PE:EA=8:1−4:1, v/v) for use in the next step. Compounds 1a-1j (0.16 mmol) were dissolved in 0.3 mL CH₂Cl₂ in a flask. Triethylamine (Et₃N) (0.13 mmol) and 1-O-acetyl-6-oxobritannilatone (0.1 mmol) in 0.75 mL CH₂Cl₂ were then added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and monitored by TLC. When the reaction was complete, the reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude products. The crude products were purified by silica column chromatography (eluting with PE:EA=6:1−3:1, v/v) to give compounds 4a-4j.

4.1

Compound 4a, colorless oil, yield: 35.1%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.712-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.45 (m, 3H), 5.29-5.31 (m, 1H), 4.09 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.95-4.05 (m, 2H), 3.53 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.17 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.79-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.66-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.61 (m, 3H), 1.24-1.30 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 191.24, 171.76, 171.16, 157.79, 151.09, 139.32, 130.33, 128.82, 128.26, 127.17, 89.10, 76.70, 64.09, 52.67, 36.68, 33.87, 33.47, 30.01, 27.50, 21.69, 20.98, 19.12.

4.2

Compound 4b, colorless oil, yield: 33.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.73-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.17 (m, 2H), 5.30-5.33 (m, 1H), 4.08 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.96-4.09 (m, 2H), 3.53 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.18 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.81-2.95 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.06 (s, 6H), 1.43-1.62 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.21 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 190.20, 171.65, 171.09, 164.21 (d, J=250.4 Hz), 156.82, 151.13, 139.34, 129.26, 129.18, 124.57 (d, J=3.1 Hz), 116.12, 115.90, 89.21, 75.06, 64.02, 52.60, 36.72, 33.86, 33.45, 30.02, 27.53, 21.67, 20.94, 19.08.

4.3

Compound 4c, colorless oil, yield: 50.4%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.67 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.28-5.31 (m, 1H), 4.06 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.94-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.50 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.16 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.79-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.66-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 6H), 1.40-1.63 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 191.17, 171.63, 171.16, 156.91, 151.25, 139.32, 136.87, 129.14, 128.42, 126.79, 89.35, 75.11, 64.05, 52.55, 36.50, 33.84, 33.47, 29.99, 27.53, 21.71, 20.99, 19.11.

4.4

Compound 4d, colorless oil, yield: 63.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.58 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 4H), 5.28-5.30 (m, 1H), 4.06 (d, J=17.3 Hz, 1H), 3.94-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.50 (d, J=17.4 Hz, 1H), 3.15 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.79-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.65-2.74 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 6H), 1.40-1.63 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.30 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 191.14, 171.60, 171.14, 157.00, 151.25, 139.30, 132.09, 128.60, 127.22, 125.21, 89.36, 75.11, 64.03, 52.52, 36.43, 33.83, 33.46, 29.99, 27.53, 21.70, 20.99, 19.09.

4.5

Compound 4e, colorless oil, yield: 57%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.86 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.74 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.30-5.32 (m, 1H), 4.09 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.94-4.15 (m, 2H), 3.53 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.17 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.81-2.95 (m, 2H), 2.66-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.43-1.62 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 190.97, 171.36, 171.16, 156.57, 151.50, 139.27, 132.57, 127.67, 118.18, 114.16, 89.89, 75.18, 63.99, 52.39, 36.06, 33.79, 33.48, 29.94, 27.59, 21.74, 21.05, 20.99, 19.08.

4.6

Compound 4f, colorless oil, yield: 26.8%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.63 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2H), 5.30-5.33 (m, 1H), 4.01 (d, J=17.4 Hz, 1H), 3.97-4.08 (m, 2H), 3.52 (d, J=17.4 Hz, 1H), 3.18 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.80-2.94 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 1.42-1.67 (m, 3H), 1.25-1.34 (m, 1H), 1.21 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 191.29, 171.81, 171.09, 157.70, 150.94, 141.10, 139.36, 129.49, 127.09, 125.45, 88.93, 75.03, 64.08, 52.70, 36.79, 33.89, 33.45, 30.06, 27.49, 21.65, 21.47, 20.94, 19.10.

4.7

Compound 4g, colorless oil, yield: 52.9%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 7.66 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 5.28-5.31 (m, 1H), 4.05 (d, J=17.4 Hz, 1H), 3.94-4.06 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.50 (d, J=17.4 Hz, 1H), 3.15 (d, J=4.8 Hz, 1H), 2.78-2.92 (m, 2H), 2.67-2.73 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 2.03 (s, 3H), 1.40-1.63 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.20 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 191.37, 171.91, 171.18, 161.59, 157.33, 151.05, 139.33, 128.77, 120.76, 114.23, 88.84, 75.06, 64.10, 55.40, 52.72, 36.88, 33.47, 30.01, 27.50, 21.70, 21.00, 19.14.

4.8

Compound 4h, colorless oil, yield: 47.6%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.3 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.93 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 5.30-5.33 (m, 1H), 4.12 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.94-4.08 (m, 2H), 3.57 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.82-2.95 (m, 2H), 2.67-2.76 (m, 1H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.04 (s, 3H), 1.40-1.63 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.20 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 190.93, 171.31, 171.16, 156.33, 151.52, 148.94, 139.28, 134.30, 128.02, 124.06, 90.04, 76.71, 63.97, 52.36, 36.13, 33.79, 33.48, 29.96, 27.60, 21.73, 20.98, 19.07.

4.9

Compound 4i, colorless oil, yield: 18.3%. ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 8.73 (d, J=5.4 Hz, 2H), 7.66 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 5.30-5.33 (m, 1H), 4.08 (d, J=17.6 Hz, 1H), 3.93-4.10 (m, 2H), 3.53 (d, J=17.6 Hz, 1H), 3.18 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 2.81-2.95 (m, 2H), 2.66-2.75 (m, 1H), 2.04 (s, 6H), 1.40-1.63 (m, 3H), 1.22-1.29 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H). ¹³C NMR (100 MHz, CDCl₃): δ 190.86, 171.24, 171.20, 156.24, 151.50, 149.76, 139.27, 136.42, 121.25, 124.06, 90.07, 76.19, 63.98, 52.34, 35.68, 33.77, 33.50, 29.93, 27.60, 21.74, 19.09, 17.46.

EXAMPLE 5 Inhibitory Effect of the Compounds on Leukotriene C4 (LTC4) Production in Mouse Bone Marrow-derived Mast Cells (BMMCs)

5.1 Extraction of BMMCs

(1) Experimental Animal: a 6-week-old female Balb/C mouse without specific pathogens.

(2) Extraction Process: the mouse was sacrificed by cervical dislocation. After confirming the death of the mouse, it was immersed in alcohol for 3-5 minutes. The back skin of the mouse was cut with tweezers and scissors on a clean bench. The spleen was removed and placed in a filter. The filter was placed in a petri dish containing serum-free medium. The spleen was grounded into a cell suspension having a cell concentration of 2×10⁶ cells/mL. 2.5 μg/mL of lectins was added, and cell suspension was then cultured in RPMI1640 medium for 5 days. The supernatant was collected. The femur bone of the mouse was removed, and joints of the bone was cut. The bone marrow was washed into a centrifuging tube by using serum-free medium. The bone marrow containing medium was then centrifuged, and the supernatant was discarded and the pellet was red bone marrow.

(3) Cell Culture: The cells were cultured for 4 weeks with RPMI1640, 10% Gibco FBS, 20% spleen supernatant, 1% AEPS, 1% MEM, and 1% double antibody.

5.2 MTT Assay to Determine the Non-cytotoxic Concentration of Compounds

(1) Preparation of MTT Solution: 5 mg/mL MTT solution was prepared by weighing an amount of MTT ((2-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-3,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazole hydrobromide) and dissolving MMT in PBS (solvent), and the solution was then filtered using a 0.22 μm microporous membrane. The solution was light yellow and stored at −20° C.

(2) Method: BMMCs were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁵/mL at 100 μL per well, and the compounds of different concentrations were added. 100 μL culture medium and 100 μL PBS were used as blank control. After 7 hours, 20 μL MMT (5 mg/mL) was added to each well. The plates were then placed in an incubator (5% CO₂, 37° C.) for 4 hours. After the reaction was complete, the supernatant was discarded, and 150 μL of DMSO was added to each well. After mixing, the absorbance (OD value) was measured at 490 nm using a microplate reader.

Cell Viability=(OD _(compounds) −OC _(culture medium))/(OD _(PBS) −OD _(culture medium))×100%

The inhibition rates on the growth of BMMCs of the compounds at 10 μM are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Inhibition of the Growth of BMMCs by the Compounds (10 μM) Cell Cell Cell Toxicity Toxicity Toxicity Compounds (%) Compounds (%) Compounds (%) 2a 5.98 3a 5.98 4a 0.16 2b 1.47 3b −1.97 4b −8.44 2c 1.88 3c −6.22 4c 2.95 2d 1.06 3d 9.58 4d −4.59 2e −0.66 3e 0.25 4e 3.19 2f −1.06 3f 4.1 4f −0.66 2g 7.37 3g 11.12 4g 5.81 2h 20.64 3h 6.63 4h 5.65 2i 4.26 3i 9.58 4i 9.09 2j −0.9 3j 21.95 ABL 1.15 OABL 3.46

5.3 Effects of the Compounds on the Release of Inflammatory Factor LTC₄ from BMMCs

Principle: This experiment is based on the competitive binding of LTC₄ to the LTC4-acetylcholinesterase conjugate (LTC₄ tracer) to determine the amount of LTC4 antiserum. Because the concentration of the LTC₄ tracer is constant and the concentration of LTC₄ is varied, the amount of LTC₄ tracer bound to the LTC₄ antiserum is inversely proportional to the amount of LTC₄. The antibody-LTC₄ complex binds to the murine monoclonal anti-rabbit IgG, while the murine monoclonal anti-rabbit IgG has previously been conjugated to the kit. After the reaction system was stabilized, the unbound reagent was washed away. Ellman's reagent (a substrate containing acetylcholinesterase) was added. The enzymatic reaction had a distinct yellow reaction, strong absorption at 405 nm. The color depth was measured by the spectrophotometric method, and is proportional to the amount of LTC₄ tracer, which is inversely proportional to the amount of LTC₄.

(2) Methods:

(a) Sample Preparation: culturing mature BMMCs, adding IgE overnight, washing with PBS three times, and then spreading in 96-well plates (1×10⁶ cells/well). The test compound solutions were added to plates and the plates were incubated for 1-1.5 hours, stimulating with DNP-HSA for 15 min. The solutions were then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 3 min at 4° C., and the supernatant was collected and diluted 5-fold with RPMI 1640 to obtain sample solution.

(b) ELISA Kit Reaction: Adding reagents according to the kit instructions, reacting at 4° C. for 18 h, and washing with washing buffer. 200 μL of Ellman's reagent was added to each well, reacting for 40 min.

(c) Measurement of Absorbance: The absorbance was measured at 405 nm.

(3) Results

The inhibition rates of the compounds for the production of LTC₄ by BMMCs at a concentration of 10 μM are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Inhibition Rate (%) of the Compounds on LTC₄ production by BMMCs (10 μM) Com- Inhabitation Com- Inhabitation Com- Inhabitation pounds Rate (%) pounds Rate (%) pounds Rate (%) 2a 69.36 3a 79.15 4a 21.93 2b 77.46 3b 89.01 4b 32 2c 67.43 3c 70.16 4c 84.4 2d 50.4 3d 89.94 4d 97.77 2e 85.49 3e 93.95 4e 88.22 2f −32.88 3f −23.48 4f 28.77 2g 0.91 3g 93.19 4g 53.28 2h 87.14 3h 84.4 4h 92.79 2i 84.84 3i 88.7 4i 83.53 2j 74.36 3j 88.7 ABL 35.21 OABL 53.24

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of chemical formula I or II:

or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, wherein R₁ is OH or OAc; X is C or N; and R₂ is H, alkyl, alkoxy, benzyloxy, haloalkyl, OH, CN, NO₂, or halogen, provided that when X is N, R₂ is nil.
 2. The compound of clam 1, wherein X is C and R₂ is H, F, Cl, Br, CN, CH₃, OCH₃, NO₂ or OH.
 3. A method of inhibiting leukotriene comprising: administrating a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim 1 to a subject.
 4. A method treating asthma comprising: administrating a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim 1 to a subject.
 5. A method of treating inflammation comprising: administrating a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim 1 to a subject. 